MWH Soft, a leading global provider of environmental and water resources applications software, announced that Trent Schade, PE, the company's Urban Drainage modeling specialist and senior client service manager, has been awarded the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Bronze Medal for his outstanding contribution to the Tsunami Relief Effort Team. Schade, a former member of the EPA, joined MWH Soft to assist in developing innovative and practical modeling solutions that help governments and engineering organizations worldwide more successfully manage, operate and protect their drinking water and wastewater infrastructures and safeguard public health.

The world's most powerful earthquake in more than 40 years struck deep under the Indian Ocean on Dec. 26, 2004, triggering massive tsunamis that obliterated cities, seaside communities and holiday resorts in a dozen countries. The devastating megathrust quake claimed an estimated 283,100 lives and left as many as 5 million people homeless or without food and clean water. Shallow freshwater wells and groundwater supplies became contaminated with saltwater and raw sewage. In some cases, fecal bacteria from damaged or destroyed septic tanks and pit toilets infiltrated water supply systems. To assist in the relief and recovery effort, Schade and a dedicated group of engineers and scientists raised $80,000 for AmeriCares to purchase PUR, an advanced water purification system, and deliver it to Indonesia. The team also sent a delegate to Indonesia to help teach survivors how to use the system to rid water of pathogenic bacteria, viruses and parasites.

"In the affected areas of Indonesia, rural water systems have been badly impacted, with an estimated 60,000 wells and 15,000 hand pumps contaminated, damaged or destroyed," said Schade. "The need to protect the survivors from waterborne disease outbreaks was recognized very early in the disaster, and an enormous humanitarian response from the world community was quickly mobilized. I am thankful to have been part of an extraordinarily compassionate and dedicated team whose work made a difference in saving lives and helping people in need."

"It is my distinct honor and privilege to work with outstanding engineers and individuals like Trent Schade," said Paul F. Boulos, Ph.D, President and COO of MWH Soft. "This medal is a tribute to Trent's ongoing quest to improve the quality of life and the environment worldwide. I deeply admire his compassion and love for his fellow human beings, and thank him for the excellent work he does on their behalf. Trent epitomizes the highest attributes we seek in our employees. It is through their hard work and personal commitment that we are able to constantly raise the bar and deliver innovative, cutting-edge technologies that make a difference in people's lives and communities."